The launch took place at Penpych Community Primary School ahead of the ladies 24/25 season.
Pupils at Penpych Community Primary School in Tynewydd were treated to a football training session ast week (19thJuly) with former pupil and Gwalia United captain, Cori Williams-Mills, as part of Gwalia’s official launch.
Gwalia United, formerly known as Cardiff City Ladies, entertained year 5/6 pupils with drills and coaching followed by a talk and Q&A session where the children were given the opportunity to ask the captain and other players questions and learn more about getting into the sport.
Gwalia United Captain, Cori Williams-Mills, is a former pupil of Penpych Community Primary School and wanted to include the school and the children in a short promotional video for the rebranding of the club. The club’s message is “If they can see it, they can be it.” And this was highlighted at the event to inspire girls to pursue a career in football just like Cori did.
The only Welsh representatives in the English football system, Gwalia United will begin the 2024/25 season in the third tier of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, under its new name away at Billericay Town on Sunday, 18 August.
Teifion Lewis, Headteacher of Penpych Community Primary School, spoke of the training session: “’For Penpych Community Primary School and the surrounding community it’s fantastic that we are involved with the event. We are all aware of how important sport is to our health, mentally and physically, so for Gwalia United to come and re-launch and promote their club and women’s and girl’s football here is a real privilege.
“Knowing the captain Cori Williams-Mills is a past pupil provides a strong connection and meaning for us. We are really proud as a school and community of Cori’s achievements in football and are only too happy to support her and the team. Also, by Gwalia United visiting us today only enhances the profile of women’s and girls’ football in this area and hopefully encourages a few of our pupils to pursue a career in football or sport. Hopefully we can support them in the future with a similar event.”
Ahead of the season, Gwalia United will play two home pre-season friendlies – one against Wolverhampton Wanderers W.F.C on 21st July and the next against West Bromwich Albion F.C Women on 28th July, both games being played at Newport International Sports Village at 2pm.
Reflecting on the success of the launch, Lee Griffin, founder and CEO at Go.Compare said: “We are incredibly proud to be sponsors of Gwalia United for its first official season, and the team’s ethos on and off the pitch is inspiring to anyone who watches them.
“Gwalia United is focused on providing opportunities for girls and women to compete at the highest level, and we want to be a part of growing this ambition and helping to make a positive difference in the community.
“Today’s launch at Penpych has been a perfect example of just how inspiring the team can be in encouraging young people, and particularly young women, to get into sport. It’s been fantastic to see so many pupils getting excited about football, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing the impact that Gwalia can have on grassroots communities in the future.”
Co-Owners of Gwalia United, Julian Jenkins and Damien Singh, enthused: “This move from Cardiff City Ladies to Gwalia United has been nearly 12 months in the offing, and we are so pleased now that the next chapter of this proud club is officially upon us.
“This club represents each and every person in Wales through the vehicle of women’s football, we will not stop until we get this great club back where it belongs in the WSL. We would like to thank everyone who attended today, and it was a joy to see so many smiling faces, that’s what this club is about.
“Our vision is clear, and with each passing day, we move closer to realising the ultimate potential of this club and nation. The transition from Cardiff City Ladies to Gwalia United marks a significant step on this journey, underscoring our commitment to achieving success both on and off the field.”
To complement the importance of sports and wellbeing within RCT, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is currently working on its 17th 3G sports pitch facility in Hawthorn for school and community use, which is due for completion in August 2024.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “Sports is incredibly important to the wellbeing of our pupils and we are committed to supporting them in whatever career path they choose. We strive to ensure that we have the best facilities we can offer for them to do this and fulfil our commitment to provide a 3G facility within a 3-mile radius for every resident. Our 17th all weather 3G sports pitch in Hawthorn will be of good use as pupils all over RCT are inspired by Gwalia United to kick start their careers in sport.”
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Welsh Language, commented: “This exciting visit from Gwalia United and former Penpych pupil, Cori Williams-Mills, has been an honor to host. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day, and we are all delighted to see them included in the official rebranding video for the Ladies Team! The opportunity to chat to Gwalia about a future in Womens football has inspired the pupils to pursue a future in not only football, but any sport or avenue they choose and follow in Cori’s footsteps.”
